by Jim Michaels, USA TODAY

by Jim Michaels, USA TODAY

WASHINGTON - Afghan President Hamid Karzai Friday night acknowledged past difficulties in his nation's relationship with the United States but praised America as an essential partner, urging the two countries to strengthen their ties.

"Afghanistan would always be better off in close contact â?¦ with the United States," Karzai said in a speech Georgetown University.

Karzai was in Washington to meet with President Obama to discuss long-term U.S. support of Afghanistan after most combat troops leave in 2014.

Karzai's relationship with the United States, which helped put him in power after the Taliban were toppled from power, has been rocky.

Washington has complained about corruption in Karzai's government. The Afghan president has criticized U.S. forces for causing civilian casualties and the night raids special forces have conducted.

Karzai's speech seemed designed to assure the United States that he was a reliable partner and that Afghanistan was making progress on a number of fronts, including women's rights. "This society is as lively and moving forward as any other society," Karzai said.

"Afghanistan will remember the United States as a country that helped," Karzai said. "We will forget the less pleasant aspects of the relationship."